The Five-Minute Reset for the Day After a Holiday Weekend

Low-prep, five-minute set up, activities to get kids playing independently, no screens, no mess, materials you already own

Every summer, for nine years, I solo parented three little kids at the beach. Fourth of July was the kickoff to summer in our coastal New England town, and was like Christmas in July… a HUGE deal.

My kids are teens now, and Fourth of July looks verrrrry different than it did back in those summers where I was carrying a sweaty, napping baby strapped to my chest while chasing the other two from parades, to parties to beach bonfires. We loved the festivities, ice cream and late nights, but to say that

I needed a serious nervous system reset when it was all over would be a huge understatement.

This morning I’m sharing a few low-lift, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that ideas to help you get the kids playing while you reset your house (and your nervous system).

These are all ideas that take less than five minutes to set up, are good for toddlers through tweens, and use materials you already have at home.